PC Paul Bieliauskas, who formed part of the investigation team, said: “Street racers have been making stretches of the A47 near Star City, roads in Bordesley Green and the A38 towards Bassetts Pole no-go roads on Sunday nights into the early hours.

“It’s unacceptable behaviour…they pose a real danger to the public due to the manner of the driving and the speeds they reach.

“Fortunately there have been no fatal accidents – but that’s largely down to good fortune.

"It would only take one accident and we could have multiple injuries and fatalities of both spectators and motorists.”

Police have now released some of the video footage captured which shows the schoolboy ‘race starter’ dodging between speeding cars at the beginning of a race.

PC Bieliauskas added: “Our covert work has identified offenders and we've already prosecuted around 200 racers with action pending against many more.

“This is on-going work and we know irresponsible motorists are still trying to arrange impromptu races on our streets.

“These are public roads, not private race circuits for drivers wanting an adrenalin rush – anyone who engages in this activity in the West Midlands needs to understand we will take action and ban them from getting behind the wheel.”

As well as driving bans, 120 injunctions have been issued by Birmingham City Council against ‘cruisers’ to stop them taking part in or watching street racing.

Those breaking the injunction could face a £5,000 and a driving ban.

PC Bieliauskas said: ““These are not empty threats: we will take action against anyone we find ignoring the terms of an injunction – our powers also extend to seizing and potentially crushing their vehicle.

“Enquiries have also led us to identify the young lad seen acting as a starter for some of the races…social services are now dealing with the lad’s family.”